Pre Production

After the script is acquired, the pre-production activities are initiated. During this stage, the producer appoints the key personnel for the film, which include the director, cinematographer, music director, editor and choreographer. The remuneration of the key personnel may vary depending upon their reputation and their relationship with the producer.

The identification and reservation of a director and the artists (star cast) is very important as a number of factors such as likelihood of box office success and the willingness of distributors/music companies to purchase distribution rights is directly or indirectly linked to the star cast. Thereafter, a detailed cost budget of the film is prepared taking into consideration, amongst other things, the star cast, directors, music, technicians and locations.

(a) Locations

The director identifies suitable locations for shooting the film and gives a "recce" to the producer as to the choice of locale. The location may be a studio or any out-station location. In the case of an out-station location, the producer is required to take the necessary police/municipal permissions. Further, additional permission from the Archaeological Survey of India is required for the shooting of a historical monument.

(b) Storyboarding

The pre-production stage also includes storyboarding and dress rehearsal. Although storyboarding is not as developed or technologically advanced in India in comparison to Hollywood, the film is planned scene by scene. Storyboarding is, in essence, drawing a comic book of the film. Each shot in the film is drawn and then labeled with movement notes, dialogue and sound effects, along with any other pertinent information.

(c) Artists

In Bollywood, the cost of hiring artists and technicians is not standardized. It varies from producer to producer for the same artist or technician. If the artist or technician has a good relationship with the producer, he may charge the producer a minimal amount. An artist may compromise on price if he/she gets an opportunity to work with a producer of great repute. The price charged by an artist also depends upon the number of box office hits he/she has had.

(a) Creation of a production schedule

This includes the time period for principal photography, pre-production, and post-production. This is when the film takes its final shape, through editing and the addition of elements, such as the soundtrack, music and special effects.

(b) Creation and analysis of a budget for the film

The producer drafts the budget in consultation with the director. Usually 10% of the budget is set aside for contingency circumstances, and of the remaining 90% of the budget, 60% is allocated to production and 40% to post-production.

(c) Production Blueprint

The producer puts together a good business plan i.e. the production blueprint which includes the biographies of the key creative collaborators, "stars" letters of intent to act in the film and the shooting schedule.

(d) Application for, and procurement of a completion bond

This ensures against the risk of the film being produced at a cost exceeding the budget (as explained in Chapter III).

(e) General insurance requirements for the film

Such insurance covers not only general liability and property damage, but also errors and omissions insurance (as explained in Chapter III).

(f) Clearance of the use of actual names, products, and locations from the appropriate property owners

If a particular product is used, the name of an actual person or location is mentioned in the script, or if the film idea is based on the life or incidents in the life of a real person, the production company may either create the film in cooperation with the involved person or his heirs. Alternatively, the production company may fictionalize the characters in the film.

(g) Negotiation of an agreement with the film crew members

Completing the contracts with the cast and crew members before production begins helps prevent misunderstandings and legal action later.

(h) Appointment of the unit production manager (UPM) and first assistant director (FAD)

The UPM and FAD put together the shooting schedule, which includes a detailed reconstruction of every scene ranging from talent to props to special effects. They then work out a "day of days," which is essentially a shooting schedule for the actors and the director, and their requirements in terms of rehearsal, travel and work.

It is not uncommon for actors, directors, writers and producers to be represented by a talent agent, a personal manager and a business manager. The primary function of the talent agencies is the procurement of employment for their client. This is set out in detail in Chapter III.

The location manager ensures that the insurance policies to cover any lawsuits that may be filed for damages to property, equipment and injury on the set is in place. Without meeting this prerequisite, it is virtually impossible to rent equipment, negotiate location contracts or obtain permits.